Graveyard, burial ground in County Donegal (DG005-012----)

Explorer Tom Ardmore Graveyard in Culdaff has been keeping secrets since the mid-seventeenth century, possibly even marking the spot where St. Buadan built his church. The names are gone, but that modern grotto of the Virgin Mary is a lovely bit of kitsch. Take a quiet peek from the gate and let the silence do its work.

Explorer Tom Water pump in Culdaff was gifted by the Youngs as a golden wedding gift back in 1908. That little cow-tail handle is pure cast-iron poetry, sitting under its pyramid shelter like it’s still waiting for a thirsty neighbour. It’s not just a tap; it’s a love letter made of metal.

Explorer Tom McGrory’s in Culdaff is on Main Street, which means it’s probably where everyone goes when they’re bored of the rain. Grab me a pint and tell me who’s shouting the loudest; that’s usually my mate.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Culdaff is where road workers actually pulled human bones out of the dirt during widening works. It’s a spooky reminder that St. Buadan’s old church was built right here, and the earth kept its secrets for centuries.

Explorer Tom McGuinness’ in Culdaff Main Street probably has a sign that says 'No Dogs Except This One,' showing clear favoritism. I bet the owner knows every dog in the village by name and will scold yours for being bad manners. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted.

Explorer Tom Culdaff Beach looks as if three pieces of the map agreed to meet for tea: dunes to the west, two rock outcrops to the southeast, and the Culdaff River to the northwest. The sand has quite a supporting cast. This protected coast deserves a gentle visit.

Explorer Tom Knock Promontory Fort at Culdaff Beach is perched right on the coast, which sounds like a perfect spot to watch the waves. It’s recorded as a coastal promontory fort in the townland of Knock. I imagine it had quite a view before anyone decided to build a wall around that bit of rock.

Explorer Tom Castle in Carthage may survive only as shapeless stone mounds on a promontory. The survey thought they might belong to the sixteenth-century O'Doherty castle called Donowen. A wall closed the landward side, while another guarded a sea approach. Those defences are recorded; the exact shape of the lost castle is not.

Explorer Tom Tremone Bay has been keeping an icy secret in its rocks. Geological Survey Ireland records debris dropped by ancient ice in the bedrock at White Strand’s northwest end, roughly 590 to 570 million years old. I cannot blame the beach for looking smug; most places would brag about a history half that long.

Explorer Tom Visit Carndonagh in County Donegal bragged about surviving a storm that only had three waves, but it told the story for hours. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name, preferably one involving a pirate.

Explorer Tom Follow the growers on Barrack Hill and you will find sixteen raised beds and three polytunnels. One starts the seedlings; the other two keep things growing. I could claim to know their secret for a good tomato, but the gardeners would catch me bluffing before I got through the gate. These are working plots, so ask the committee before going in.

Explorer Tom At Barrack Hill, little legs get the climbing frames, swings, balance beams and monkey bars. The roundabout was designed to include more children, and older ones have their own obstacle trail nearby. If I were seven, I would call the monkey bars a test of courage. If I were a parent, I would be looking for the covered shelter. Carndonagh's park committee says local families helped shape the refurbished playground, and the older children's activity area reopened in 2023.